御嶽神社
Ontake Shrine has its inner shrine at the summit of Mount Ontake in Kiso.
Mount Ontake, the westernmost 3000-meter-class mountain in Japan, is counted among Japan's 100 famous mountains and has long been revered as a mountain of worship.
Known as "O-no-Ontake" by ascetic practitioners, this name evolved into "Ontake," reflecting its esteemed status.
The pilgrimage begins at the Satomiya Shrine at the first station, proceeding to Hakkaisan Shrine at the fifth station, a prayer spot at the eighth station, and the summit inner shrine at the tenth station.
From the large torii gate at the entrance, 67 steps followed by 374 steps, established during the Edo period, lead to the main hall.
The path, surrounded by a dense forest, includes the Satomiya Daikokuten and the shrine office flanking the second torii.
Numerous stone monuments and the Dragon Mouth Dragon God along the way reflect the deep faith in Ontake Shrine.
The main hall stands against a vertical rock face with a simple gabled structure devoid of major carvings or decorations.
Several auxiliary shrines are situated to the right side of the hall.
The path to the inner shrine, which serves as the hiking route to the summit, is generally accessed from Tanohara at the seventh station, passing the prayer spot and Tanohara Daikokuten.
Tanohara Trailhead
Tanohara Daikokuten
Ooe Daigongen
At an altitude of over 2400 meters, numerous Buddha statues are enshrined within small shrines.
This area offers a break from the forest, revealing expansive views of the surrounding mountains at eye level.
Near the ninth station, the trail splits into a direct path to the summit and a route to the inner sanctuary.
The inner sanctuary houses three standing statues.
While not the official route, climbing about 5 meters behind the inner sanctuary leads to a ridge with views of the summit.
From here, the peak of Kengamine is visible, along with a glimpse of the main shrine at the summit.
The inner shrine at the summit is located just below the highest peak, Kengamine.
A white torii gate, surrounded by rocks, leads to a gabled main hall.
The white structure features chigi and katsuogi on the roof, matching the white-painted hall behind.
The main hall is a small gabled shrine with five katsuogi and chigi, with traditional elements like a crossbeam-supported ridgepole.
The inner shrine at the summit is further up the peak, about 600 meters beyond the current site, at the top of Kengamine.
View of Kengamine from the inner shrine
Daionhi Festival Site
Summit Area
Main Shrine at the Summit
Stone steps lead to the main shrine at the summit near the top of Kengamine.
A wooden torii gate stands among the shrine buildings and statues.
Faith in Mount Ontake has ancient roots, initially spreading through Shugendo and later embraced by the general populace from the Heian to Muromachi periods.
In 1784, the ascetic Kakumei opened the Kurozawa trail from Mitake Village, and in 1794, the ascetic Fukan opened the Otaki trail, spreading the faith nationwide.
During the Meiji era, the separation of Shinto and Buddhism led to the removal of Buddhist elements from the site, but Mount Ontake continued to be a syncretic faith center, revered across various religious sects.
| Location | Kiso Town, Kiso District, Nagano Prefecture / Gero City, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture |
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| Website | http://www.ontakejinja.jp/ |
| Deities | Kuninotokotachi, Onamuchi, Sukunahikona |